Two ports, Port of Montrose and Port of Nigg, are to benefit from funding that will help them develop facilities to service offshore windfarms in Scottish waters
The funding announcements came as Scotland’s first Minister John Swinney told delegates at an offshore wind investment forum that Scotland’s ambition “is to be nothing less than this century’s global leader in clean, secure energy,” and said the estimated potential capital value of the Scottish offshore wind market is around £100Bn
As part of a drive to get Scottish ports ready to play a role in this huge potential market, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has approved up to £10M (US$13M) to support development at Port of Nigg, and a public-private agreement has been reached to help expand operations and attract new investment at Port of Montrose.
The money from HIE will support development of Port of Nigg’s Inner East Quay, which will result in the creation of a new heavy-duty quayside and the introduction of roll-on roll-off capability. The project, which is subject to formal approval by Global Energy Nigg Ltd, will increase capacity and capabilities at the port, attracting new companies and investment while supporting operations across the country’s growing offshore wind operations.
Port of Nigg is recognised by developers as a prime location for the manufacturing and assembly of offshore wind components and has a significant track record within Scotland’s offshore wind industry, having managed over 3.5 GW of assets through the facility. In 2024, high voltage cable manufacturer Sumitomo Electric Power Cables Ltd chose to establish a £350M high-voltage cable manufacturing facility in the area, with Nigg serving as the primary export facility.
HIW director of strategic projects David Oxley said the HIE’s support for the project “is about keeping the UK and the Highlands and Islands region at the forefront of the energy sector, particularly renewable energy, and strengthening our international competitiveness.”
At Port of Montrose, a Scottish Enterprise grant of £3.2M will support a £7.2M project to acquire and develop land just over 3 km from the port.
The new site, Montrose Port Industrial Park, will offer both existing and new companies greater flexibility to grow and adapt alongside Scotland’s renewables sector.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said, “Scotland’s offshore wind sector is already creating significant opportunities, delivering jobs and attracting major investment across the country.The Scottish government has made it clear that Scotland is open for business and we are working closely with Scottish Enterprise and public sector partners to maximise investment and drive growth in the sector. Port of Montrose is a key asset in supporting Scotland’s offshore wind industry. This investment is the latest in a series of strategic commitments we have made to unlock new opportunities and secure Scotland’s future as a renewables powerhouse.”
Scottish Enterprise chief executive Adrian Gillespie said, “Expansion of Montrose Port is hugely important to providing new infrastructure and space to support the continued growth of the offshore wind sector. Montrose Port Authority has exciting plans for the future and we are pleased to back that kind of ambition which will attract further investment into Scotland’s economy.”
Montrose Port Authority chief executive Tom Hutchison said the investment “is a pivotal moment for Montrose Port,” further establishing its role as a hub in Scotland’s renewable energy sector.
